United and Air China to work more closely

United Airlines is extending and strengthening its partnership
with Air China.

Under the multi-year joint strategic initiative announced by the
Star Alliance partners, the airlines plan to expand connecting flight
opportunities and enhance frequent-flyer opportunities for customers.

They also plan to create a more seamless experience for
customers traveling through United’s China gateway, San Francisco, and through
Air China’s Beijing hub. And, the initiative will include expanding the
carriers’ joint marketing efforts.

United currently serves Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu from San
Francisco. It will add routes to Xian and Hangzhou later this year.

United described the new agreement as much more than a codeshare
arrangement. “The agreement is designed to help evolve and strengthen our
relationship to better serve our mutual customers and elevate the customer
experience,” the airline said.

The agreement stops short of being a joint venture, however, in
which airlines can coordinate flight schedules. Regulators don’t currently
allow joint ventures between U.S. and Chinese carriers.